JJ Redick Blames Overwork for Dalton Knecht’s Underwhelming Summer League
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Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said second-year guard Dalton Knecht was simply worn out when he struggled during the 2025 NBA California Classic Summer League.
Speaking at his preseason press conference, Redick explained that Knecht’s intense offseason routine left him fatigued before Summer League games tipped off at Chase Center in San Francisco.
“The guy did too much after the season, and I think in Summer League he was burnt out,” Redick said. “He was coming in here at 5 a.m. getting shots up, then doing two workouts with our Summer League staff and in the weight room.”
According to Redick, Knecht still finished the Lakers’ final preseason conditioning run “well ahead of everybody,” demonstrating that the 23-year-old is in “phenomenal shape” and “in a great spot mentally” heading into training camp.
Roller-coaster rookie year
Knecht opened the 2024-25 season in the Lakers’ rotation but was traded to the Charlotte Hornets before Los Angeles later rescinded the deal. After returning to the roster, he spent most nights on the bench and focused on skill development once the season ended.
Summer League slump
Expectations were high for the former first-round pick when the Lakers arrived at the California Classic, yet he struggled to find rhythm on either end of the court. Team officials now believe sleep and recovery, not talent, were the primary issues.
Future with the Lakers
Even with a rough summer showing, league evaluators reportedly remain interested in Knecht. The Lakers, short on future draft picks, could include him in trade talks as they seek roster upgrades during the season.
Knecht said he and Redick have spoken throughout the summer about shooting mechanics and building their relationship, calling the conversations “very positive.”
Source: LakersNation.com
